Cleaning tool

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides an effective technique for enhancing a cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned. According to a representative cleaning tool, a cleaning element includes a plurality of elongate split cleaning parts having respective insert regions for receiving the holding elements. In an inserted state of the holding elements into the insert regions, the fiber assemblies of the adjacent ones of the split cleaning parts overlap each other in the space in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a cleaning tool, and more particularly to atechnique for providing a cleaning tool having a cleaning element forcleaning an object to be cleaned.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of cleaning tools having a sheet-type cleaning element forcleaning an object are known. For example, Japanese non-examinedlaid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-29136 discloses a cleaning toolhaving a cleaning element which comprises a fabric layer and a scrapingsheet. However, in designing a cleaning tool of this type having acleaning element, it is required to provide an effective technique forenhancing its cleaning effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an effectivetechnique for enhancing a cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having acleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned.

The above-described problem can be solved by the features of the claimedinvention. This invention can be applied to the construction of cleaningtools for cleaning regions to be cleaned (floors, walls, ceilings,external walls, posts, furniture, clothes, curtains, blinds, bedding,lighting, electrical cords, home electric appliances, etc.) inside andoutside of houses, apartments, buildings, factories, vehicles, etc. orregions of human body parts to be cleaned. These regions to be cleanedmay be either flat or curved, uneven or stepped.

A cleaning tool according to this invention is used for cleaning anobject to be cleaned and includes at least a cleaning element holder anda cleaning element. The cleaning element holder is an elongate member.The cleaning element holder includes a grip to be held by a user and aplurality of holding elements extending from the grip in parallel in alongitudinal direction. In order to extend in “parallel” here, theholding elements are required to be disposed at least side by side. Sucha manner of extending in parallel here includes the manner in which aplurality of the holding elements are disposed in parallel, and themanner in which the distance between two adjacent holding elements isdecreased toward the front end. The cleaning element is designed as amember to be attached to the elongate cleaning element holder.Particularly, the cleaning element includes a plurality of elongatesplit cleaning parts which have respective insert regions for receivingthe holding elements, and the cleaning element has a space into whichthe object to be cleaned can be inserted between adjacent ones of thesplit cleaning parts. The object inserted into this space is cleanedwhile being held between the split cleaning parts. Further, the mannerof being “split” here widely includes the manner in which apredetermined split cleaning part is disposed in its entirety or in partacross the space from the other split cleaning part, and the manner inwhich a predetermined split cleaning part is integrally connected to theother split cleaning part. Further, each of the split cleaning partsincludes a fiber assembly formed by a plurality of fibers extending in adirection transverse to the longitudinal direction of the split cleaningpart, and a nonwoven fabric sheet made of nonwoven fabric, and the fiberassembly and the nonwoven fabric sheet are overlaid one on the other andbonded together. In an inserted state of the holding elements into theinsert regions, the fiber assemblies of the adjacent ones of the splitcleaning parts overlap each other in the space in a direction transverseto the longitudinal direction of the split cleaning parts. Further, theoverlapped state of the fiber assemblies between the split cleaningparts in the space is required to be realized at least in the insertedstate of the holding elements into the insert regions. In the state inwhich the holding elements are not yet inserted into the insert regions,the fiber assemblies of the split cleaning parts may overlap each other,or they may be spaced apart from each other without overlapping.Further, the number and combination of the fiber assemblies and nonwovenfabric sheets which are overlaid one on the other and bonded togethercan be selected as necessary.

With such construction of the cleaning tool according to this invention,a shape-retaining function is provided by overlapping of the fiberassemblies between the adjacent split cleaning parts. As a result, theentire cleaning element can be prevented from drooping, and unnecessaryclearance can be prevented from being formed in the space. Further, thecontact area between the object to be cleaned and the split cleaningparts can be increased by wrapping the object to be cleaned between thesplit cleaning parts. Thus, the cleaning effect of the object to becleaned which is inserted into the space can be enhanced. Further,deterioration of the appearance of the cleaning tool which may be causedby unnecessary clearance formed in the space can be prevented. As aresult, users can be convinced that the cleaning element has a highcleaning effect and the user's cleaning motivation can be effectivelyenhanced.

Further, the cleaning element according to this invention may be ofdisposable type designed for single use, disposable type designed formultiple use which can be used several times, while holding dust or dirtwhich has been removed from the object to be cleaned, on a brushportion, or reusable type which can be reused by washing.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning tool according to thisinvention, preferably, the above-described cleaning element is designedsuch that, in the state in which the cleaning element is not yetattached to the cleaning element holder, a center distance between theadjacent insert regions is longer than a center distance between theadjacent holding elements of the cleaning element holder. Further, whenthe holding elements are inserted into the insert regions, the fiberassemblies of the adjacent split cleaning parts move toward each otherand thus overlap each other in the space in a direction transverse tothe longitudinal direction. With such construction, the space can beformed such that, when the holding elements are inserted into the insertregions, the object to be cleaned can be inserted into the space whilethe fiber assemblies of the split cleaning parts overlap each other inthe space in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of thesplit cleaning parts.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning tool according to thisinvention, preferably, the nonwoven fabric sheet comprises a pluralityof split pieces extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinaldirection of the split cleaning parts. The split pieces are typicallyformed by splitting the nonwoven fabric sheet into strips. With suchconstruction, in the cleaning element, the split cleaning parts eachinclude the fiber assembly and the split pieces which extend in the samedirection and overlap each other in the space, so that the cleaningelement can be provided with a wiping function by the fiber assembly anda scraping function by the split pieces.

In a further embodiment of the cleaning tool according to thisinvention, preferably, the holding elements are formed by an elasticmaterial which allows the adjacent holding elements to be elasticallydeformed away from each other. Typically, a plastic material havingelasticity can be used as the elastic material. With such construction,the elastic biasing force of the holding elements is applied to theobject to be cleaned which is inserted into the space, from the oppositesides, so that the fiber assembly of the split cleaning parts can bepressed against the object to be cleaned. As a result, the cleaningeffect can be further improved. Moreover, when the object to be cleanedis removed from the space, the holding elements return to the originalstate according to the elastic biasing force, and thus theshape-retaining ability of the cleaning element is secured.

As described above, according to this invention, in a cleaning toolhaving a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned, thecleaning effect of the cleaning element can be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaning tool 100 according to anembodiment of the invention, in a state disassembled into a cleaningelement 110 and a cleaning element holder 130.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cleaning element 110, taken along lineA-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cleaning element 110, taken along lineB-B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning element 110 of FIG. 1, in astate separated into layer elements.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the holding sheet 112 of the cleaningelement 110 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the cleaning element 110 according to thisembodiment of the invention, in the states before and after attachmentof the cleaning element holder.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the split cleaning parts 123 according tothis embodiment, illustrating a first procedure for attaching thecleaning element holder.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the split cleaning parts 123 according tothis embodiment, illustrating a second procedure for attaching thecleaning element holder.

FIG. 9 shows a manner in which an object to be cleaned W is wipedbetween a pair of split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaning element 110in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wipedbetween the pair of split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaning element 110in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wipedbetween the pair of split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaning element 110in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wipedbetween the pair of split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaning element 110in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wiped onouter surfaces of the pair split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaningelement 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wiped onouter surfaces of the pair split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaningelement 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wiped onouter surfaces of the pair split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaningelement 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wiped onouter surfaces of the pair split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaningelement 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows the manner in which the object to be cleaned W is wiped onouter surfaces of the pair split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaningelement 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of this embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a cleaning tool 200according to a further embodiment of the invention, in a statedisassembled into a cleaning element 210 and a cleaning element holder230.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing a cleaning tool 300according to a further embodiment of the invention, in a statedisassembled into a cleaning element 310 and a cleaning element holder330.

FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a cleaning element 410according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A structure of a cleaning tool 100 according to this embodiment is nowdescribed with reference to the drawings. The cleaning tool 100 isconfigured as the cleaning tool for cleaning an object to be cleaned.Objects to be cleaned typically include regions to be cleaned (floors,walls, windows, ceilings, external walls, posts, furniture, clothes,curtains, blinds, bedding, lighting, electrical cords, home electricappliances, etc.) inside and outside of houses, apartments, buildings,factories, vehicles, etc. and regions of human body parts to be cleaned.These various types of objects to be cleaned include a planar structureor three-dimensional structure. In this case, regions to be cleaned maybe either flat, curved, uneven or stepped.

FIG. 1 shows the cleaning tool 100 according to this embodiment inperspective view, in a state disassembled into a cleaning element 110and a cleaning element holder 130. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning tool100 comprises the cleaning element 110 and the cleaning element holder130.

The cleaning element 110 has a function of wiping, sweeping or scrapingdirt on the region to be cleaned. The cleaning element 110 is in asheet-like or plate-like form at the time of purchase or in the initialunused state, and in use, it is loosened such that its volume isincreased. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning element 110 has arectangular shape in plan view, extending in a predeterminedlongitudinal direction (the direction of the length), and has a layeredstructure in which a plurality of sheets (a cleaning element part 116and a holding sheet part 112 as described below) having the same planarshape are overlaid one on the other, which will be explained in moredetail below. The cleaning element 110 herein is a feature thatcorresponds to the “cleaning element” according to this invention. Thecleaning element 110 may also have a square or other shape in plan viewas necessary. The cleaning element 110 may be of disposable typedesigned for single use, disposable type designed for multiple use whichcan be used several times, while holding dust which has been removedfrom the region to be cleaned, on the brush portion, or reusable typewhich can be reused by washing.

The cleaning element holder 130 is removably attached to the cleaningelement 110. The cleaning element holder 130 is an elongate memberincluding the holder body 140 and the handle 150 connected to eachother. The cleaning element holder 130 is a feature that corresponds tothe “cleaning element holder” according to this invention. The handle150 includes a handle body 151 extending in an elongate form and aconnection 151 a disposed between the handle body 151 and the holderbody 140. The handle body 151 is a part to be held by a user. The handlebody 151 and the holder body 140 are fixedly connected at the connection151 a. An appropriate structure of the cleaning element holder 130 to beused here includes a structure in which the holder body 140 and thehandle 150 (the handle body 151 and the connection 151 a) are integrallyformed, a structure in which two of the holder body 140, the handle 150and the connection 151 a are integrally formed, and a structure in whichthe holder body 140 and the handle 150 are separately formed anddesigned to be fixedly connected together. The handle 150 and the handlebody 151 here form the “grip” according to this invention.

The holder body 140 has a function of detachably holding the cleaningelement 110. The holder body 140 includes a pair of right and leftholding plates 142 and a retaining plate 143 which are found on a base141 of the handle 150. The holding plates 142 extend forward in thelongitudinal direction from the base 141 and parallel with apredetermined spacing therebetween on the same plane. In other words,the holder body 140 has a bifurcated form. Each of the holding plates142 typically has a constant width in the longitudinal direction or istapered. The holding plates 142 here form the “holding elements”according to this invention. As for the sectional shape of the holdingplates 142, rectangular, square, circular or polygonal shape can beappropriately used. The retaining plate 143 extends forward between thepair holding plates 142 and is convexly curved downward. The retainingplate 143 further has an engagement lug (not shown) on the underside.Further, in this specification, the extending direction of the pairholding plates 142 is defined as the longitudinal direction of thecleaning tool 100 and the cleaning element 110, and the direction ofparallel placement of the pair holding plates 142 is defined as thelateral direction of the cleaning tool 100 and the cleaning element 110.

Each of the holding plates 142 can be inserted into an associated insertregion (an insert region 115 which is described below) formed in thecleaning element 110 and have a function of holding the cleaning element110 in the inserted state. In the inserted state, each of the holdingplates 142 is fitted in the insert region by close sliding contact, sothat the cleaning element 110 is securely attached to the holding plate142. Further, in the inserted state, the retaining plate 143 presses thecleaning element 110 from above, and the engagement lug (not shown)formed on the underside of the retaining plate 143 serves as a stopperfor preventing the cleaning element 110 from coming off. Thus, in theinserted state in which the holding plates 142 are inserted into theinsert region of the cleaning element 110, the cleaning element 110 isreliably retained by the holder body 140.

The structure of the cleaning element 110 is specifically shown in FIGS.2 to 5. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cleaning element 110, takenalong line A-A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cleaningelement 110, taken along line B-B in FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 4 is aperspective view of the cleaning element 110 of FIG. 1 which is shownseparated into elements of a layered structure, and FIG. 5 is aperspective view of the holding sheet part 112 of the cleaning element110 in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the cleaning element 110 of thisembodiment, the cleaning element sheet parts 116 are overlaid on theboth sides of the holding sheet part 112.

Particularly, as shown in FIG. 5, in the holding sheet part 112, a basesheet 113 is disposed between two holding sheets 114 and protrudes fromthe holding sheets 114 on the side of insertion of the holding plates142. In this state, the holding sheet part 112 is fusion-bonded togetheralong fusion bonding lines 120, 121. Thus, an insert region 115 intowhich the holding plates 142 can be inserted is formed between the twoholding sheets 114. Further, the base sheet 113 can smoothly guide theholding plates 142 into an opening 115 a of the insert region 115. Theinsert region 115 herein is a feature that corresponds to the “insertregion” according to this invention.

In this embodiment, a center distance (distance L1 in FIG. 2) betweenthe right and left insert regions 115 of the cleaning element 110 whichis not yet attached to the cleaning element holder is designed to belonger than a center distance between the pair holding plates 142.Further, the cleaning element 110 has a slit-like space 124 extending inthe longitudinal direction and is split into a pair of right and leftelongate split cleaning parts 123 by the space 124. The space 124 servesas a space into which the object to be cleaned can be inserted, whichwill be explained in more detail below. The space 124 herein is afeature that corresponds to the “space” according to this invention.Each of the cleaning element sheet parts 116 includes three fiberassemblies 117 and a front sheet 118 which are overlaid one on theother, and in this state, the cleaning element sheet parts 116 arearranged such that the front sheets 118 of the cleaning element sheetparts 116 are disposed on the top and bottom sides of the cleaningelement 110.

Each of the holding sheets 114 and the front sheets 118 preferably has aplurality of zigzag strips (strip portions) 114 a and 118 a at the bothend sides in its lateral direction. In this case, the holding sheets 114and the front sheets 118 are also referred to as strip sheets. Thestrips 114 a, 118 a herein are features that correspond to the “splitpieces” according to this invention. The strips 114 a, 118 a having suchconstruction are provided with a highly effective cleaning functionwhich can easily trap dust or scrape dust out of the depression.Further, the strips 114 a, 118 a may have the same kind or differentkinds of shape appropriately selected from various shapes, such aszigzag, linear and curved shapes. In this embodiment, each of the strips114 a, 118 a extends in the longitudinal direction of the split cleaningparts 123 (in a direction transverse to the extending direction of theholding plate 142).

The construction of the nonwoven fabric forming the above-described basesheet 113, holding sheet 114 and front sheet 118 and the construction ofthe fiber assembly 117 are now explained in detail.

(Construction of Nonwoven Fabric)

The base sheet 113, the holding sheet 114 and the front sheet 118 cantypically be formed of sheet-like nonwoven fabric comprising thermalmelting fibers (thermoplastic fibers) and thus referred to as the“nonwoven fabric sheet”. The base sheet 113, the holding sheet 114 andthe front sheet 118 herein form the “nonwoven fabric sheet” according tothis invention. The nonwoven fabric has a sheet-like configurationformed by fixing or intertwining fibers by mechanical, chemical or heattreatment. The nonwoven fabric partly includes thermoplastic fibers andthus can be fusion bonded. Further, the nonwoven fabric has a pluralityof strips. Examples of the thermal melting fibers (thermoplastic fibers)include polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. Thenonwoven fabric preferably comprises thermoplastic fibers havingpractical strength of 10 to 100 g/m². The nonwoven fabric may bemanufactured by through-air bonding, spunbonding, thermal bonding, spunlacing, point bonding, melt blowing, stitch bonding, chemical bonding,needle punching or other similar processes. This nonwoven fabric is afeature that corresponds to the “nonwoven fabric” according to thisinvention. In order to enhance the dust wiping function, it is preferredto use a nonwoven fabric having higher rigidity. Further, as analternative to or in addition to the nonwoven fabric, strips made ofurethane, sponge, woven fabric, net, split cloth or other similarmaterials may be used.

(Construction of Fiber Assembly)

The fiber assembly 117 is a single fiber structure formed by fibers, afiber structure having fibers aligned in the length direction and/or theradial direction (twist yarn, spun yarn, yarn to which a plurality offilaments are partially connected), or an assembly of the fiberstructures. The fiber assembly 117 partially includes thermoplasticfibers and can be fusion bonded. The fibers forming the fiber assembly117 are elements of yarn, textile or the like and defined as being thinand flexible fibers having a substantially longer length compared withthe thickness. Typically, a long continuous fiber is defined as afilament and a short fiber as a staple. Like the strips 114 a and 118 aof the holding sheet 114 and the front sheet 118, the fibers of thefiber assembly 117 extend in elongate shape in a direction transverse tothe extending direction of the holding plate 142. The fiber assembly 117is also referred to as the “fiber bundle” having a plurality of fibersin a bundle. The fiber assembly 117 herein is a feature that correspondsto the “fiber assembly” according to this invention.

In the representative example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, three fiberassemblies 117 are stacked in layers, but one or more layers of fiberassemblies may be used as necessary. Preferably, the fiber assembly 117has a planar structure having a predetermined flat or curved surface andhas a three-dimensional form having a certain thickness or has a thinsheet-like form. The “fiber assembly” is typically formed ofpolyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),nylon, rayon or the like. In practical use, an assembly of filamentsformed by opening a tow is frequently used as the fiber assembly. It isparticularly preferable that the fiber assembly comprises conjugatedfibers having a core of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate(PET) and a core covering sheath of polyethylene (PE). Further, thefilaments of the fiber assembly are preferred to have a fineness of 0.5to 66 dtex. The individual fiber assembly may contain fibers ofsubstantially the same fineness, or it may contain fibers of differentfinenesses. When using fibers containing thermoplastic resin, it ispreferred to use at least two or more kinds of resins having differentmelting points (for example, resins between which the difference in themelting point is 20° C. or more).

Further, in order to enhance the dust wiping function, it is preferredto use a fiber assembly including fibers having higher rigidity orfibers having higher fineness. It is further preferred that the fiberassembly has crimped fibers. In this case, it is preferred to usecrimped fibers having 5 to 30 crimps per inch. Here, the crimped fibersare fibers subjected to a predetermined crimping process and easilyintertwined with each other. With the fibers being crimped, the fiberassembly becomes bulkier than before the holder is attached thereto, anddust can be easily captured by the crimped portions. This structure canbe realized especially by using crimped fibers opened from a tow.Further, in order to reliably adsorb dirt, dust or the like, it ispreferred to use fibers containing dust adsorbent oil.

For the fiber assembly, flat yarns or split yarns may also be used. Theflat yarns are prepared by slitting a film into tapes and by stretchingthe tapes in the longitudinal direction. The split yarns are prepared bysplitting a thermoplastic film resin in the direction perpendicular tothe orientation direction of the resin so that the film is fibrillatedand interconnected into a net shape. Alternatively, a nonwoven fabricwhich is bulky and has low fiber density, such as a through-air bondednonwoven fabric, may be used to form the fiber assembly.

The kinds and numbers of the component parts of the cleaning element 110are not limited to those described in the above-described example, andcan be selected as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 6, operation of the cleaning tool 100 having theabove-described construction is described. FIG. 6 is a sectional view ofthe cleaning element 110 according to this embodiment, in the statesbefore and after attachment of the cleaning element holder. As shown inFIG. 6, the center distance L1 between the right and left insert regions115 of the cleaning element 110 which is not yet attached to thecleaning element holder is designed to be longer than the centerdistance L2 between the pair holding plates 142. On the other hand, whenthe pair holding plates 142 are inserted into the right and left insertregions 115, the right and left split cleaning parts 123 are deformedtoward each other according to the center distance L2 between the pairholding plates 142. As a result, after attachment of the cleaningelement holder, an overlap region 119 is formed in the space 124 betweenthe right and left split cleaning parts 123 facing each other, bysurface contact, overlapping or intertwining of the holding sheets 114,the fiber assemblies 117 and the front sheets 118. When a cleaningoperation is performed with an object to be cleaned inserted into thespace 124, in order to enhance the cleaning effect, the overlap length(overlap width) of the overlap region 119 is preferably 1 mm or longerin the lateral direction in FIG. 6. Further, the overlap length ispreferably as long as the center distance L2 between the pair holdingplates 142.

With such construction, a shape-retaining function is provided at leastby overlapping of the fiber assemblies 117 between the adjacent splitcleaning parts 123. As a result, the entire cleaning element 110 can beprevented from drooping, and unnecessary clearance can be prevented frombeing formed in the space 124. Further, the contact area between theobject to be cleaned and the split cleaning parts 123 can be increasedby wrapping the object to be cleaned between the split cleaning parts123. Thus, the cleaning effect of the object to be cleaned which isinserted into the space 124 can be enhanced. Further, deterioration ofthe appearance of the cleaning tool 100 which may be caused byunnecessary clearance formed in the space 124 can be prevented. As aresult, users can be convinced that the cleaning element 110 has a highcleaning effect and the user's cleaning motivation can be effectivelyenhanced.

Further, the split cleaning parts 123 of the cleaning element 110 arerectangular in section at the time of purchase or in the initial unusedstate. In use for actual cleaning operation, preferably, each of thesplit cleaning parts 123 is loosened or fluffed by the user such thatits volume is increased. This loosening operation may be performedbefore attachment of the cleaning element holder by a first procedure,or it may be performed after attachment of the cleaning element holderby a second procedure. FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views of the splitcleaning parts 123 in this embodiment and illustrate the first andsecond procedures for attaching the cleaning element holder,respectively.

In the first procedure shown in FIG. 7, first, in step A1, the splitcleaning parts 123 are loosened by the user. At this time, in thisembodiment, the holding sheets 114, the fiber assemblies 117 and thefront sheets 118 of the respective split cleaning parts 123 have thesame length in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction ofthe split cleaning parts 123 (in a direction transverse to the extendingdirection of the holding plate 142) from the fusion bonding line 120.Therefore, when the user performs the loosening operation in step A1,each of the split cleaning parts 123 becomes bulky into a generallycircular or elliptical shape as viewed in section in a directiontransverse to the extending direction of the holding plate 142. In thisbulky state, the strips 114 a and 118 a of the holding sheet 114 andfront sheet 118 and the fibers of the fiber assemblies 117 radiate outfrom the fusion bonding line 120, as viewed in section in the directiontransverse to the longitudinal direction of the split cleaning parts 123(the direction transverse to the extending direction of the holdingplate 142). Subsequently, in step A2, the two holding plates 142 areinserted into right and left insert regions 115. As a result, the pairof right and left split cleaning parts 123 are deformed toward eachother according to the distance between the pair holding plates 142 andform the overlap region 119 by surface contact, overlapping orintertwining of the holding sheets 114, the fiber assemblies 117 and thefront sheets 118.

In the second procedure shown in FIG. 8, first, in step 31, the pairholding plates 142 are inserted into the right and left insert regions115. As a result, the pair of right and left split cleaning parts 123are deformed toward each other according to the distance between thepair holding plates 142 and form the overlap region 119 by surfacecontact, overlapping or intertwining of the holding sheets 114, thefiber assemblies 117 and the front sheets 118. Subsequently, in step B2,when the split cleaning parts 123 are loosened by the user, like in stepA2 shown in FIG. 7, each of the split cleaning parts 123 becomes bulkyinto a generally circular shape in section.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 17, cleaning operation using the cleaning tool100 which is obtained through the above-described first or secondprocedure is described. FIGS. 9 to 12 show the manner in which theobject to be cleaned W is wiped between the pair split cleaning parts123 of the cleaning element 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of thisembodiment, and FIGS. 13 to 17 show the manner in which the object to becleaned W is wiped on the outer surfaces of the pair split cleaningparts 123 of the cleaning element 110 in the cleaning tool 100 of thisembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that a three dimensional object to becleaned W is cleaned between the pair split cleaning parts 123 of thecleaning element 110. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the cleaningelement 110 is pressed against the object to be cleaned such that theoverlap region 119 of the pair split cleaning parts 123 conforms to theobject to be cleaned. The pair holding plates 142 are preferably formedof an elastic material, or typically a plastic material havingelasticity, which allows the pair holding plates 142 to be elasticallydeformed away from each other. Therefore, the object to be cleaned W ispushed into the space 124 while pushing and opening up the overlapregion 119 against an elastic biasing force of the pair holding plates142. Then, firstly, dust, dirt or the like (hereinafter also referred toas “dust etc. D”) on the object to be cleaned W is adsorbed particularlyby the fiber assemblies 117 at the inlet area of the space 124. At thistime, the contact area between the space 124 and the object to becleaned W is large at the inlet area of the space 124, so that theobject to be cleaned can be wiped well at the inlet area. Particularly,the holding sheets 114, the fiber assemblies 117 and the front sheets118 in the overlap region 119 of the cleaning element 110 effectivelyentwine with the dust etc. D on the surface of the three-dimensionalobject to be cleaned and thus can reliably trap the dust etc. D. Whenthe object to be cleaned is further pushed forward into the space 124,as shown in FIG. 11, the remaining dust etc. D which cannot be adsorbedby the fiber assemblies 117 at the inlet area of the space 124 isscraped off by the strips 114 a of the holding sheets 114 and thenimmediately adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 17. Further, in thisembodiment, the length of the holding sheets 114, the fiber assemblies117 and the front sheets 118 is preferably set such that each of thesplit cleaning parts 123 has the largest possible diameter in section.With such construction, the distance and time of contact of the cleaningelement can be increased with respect to the object to be cleaned Wwhich passes between the pair split cleaning parts 123. As a result,even if the holding sheets 114 are not provided with the strips 114 a,the effect of wiping out the dust etc. D can be enhanced. Further, asshown in FIG. 12, some of the dust etc. D scraped off by the strips 114a of the holding sheets 114 may not be adsorbed by the fiber assemblies117 and fall from the object to be cleaned. Such dust etc. D is reliablytrapped at the rear end side of the fiber assemblies 117 (the inlet areaof the space 124) as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12. Such cleaningoperation is also effective in the case of wiping the object to becleaned W by inserting at least one of the split cleaning parts 123 intoa clearance (or a slit or opening) on the side of the object to becleaned W.

Now, as shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that an uneven object to becleaned W is planarly cleaned by the pair split cleaning parts 123 ofthe cleaning element 110. In this case, in this embodiment, the cleaningelement 110 contacts the plane surface of the object to be cleaned W viathe pair split cleaning parts 123, so that the user can secure a stablewiping angle during wiping operation without keeping the wriststabilized more than necessary. Further, the two split cleaning parts123 contact the object to be cleaned W, so that an effect for two wipingoperations can be obtained in a single wiping operation. Particularly,the fiber assemblies 117 of the pair split cleaning parts 123 form fouradsorbing regions 123 a, 123 b, 123 c, 123 d with respect to the objectto be cleaned W. Each of the adsorbing regions 123 a, 123 b, 123 c, 123d has a fan-like form, which can effectively secure a desired adsorbingregion for adsorbing the dust etc. D. Further, each of the adsorbingregions 123 a, 123 b, 123 c, 123 d has an arcuate contact surface andcontacts the object to be cleaned W mainly at two projections, or aprojection between the first adsorbing region 123 a and the secondadsorbing region 123 b and a projection between the third adsorbingregion 123 c and the fourth adsorbing region 123 d. Therefore, theadsorbing regions can be smoothly deformed when they are slid along thesurface of the object to be cleaned W. As a result, friction between theadsorbing regions and the object to be cleaned W can be reduced, so thatsmooth cleaning operation can be realized, that is to say, the cleaningtool feels light to use in cleaning operation.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the cleaning element 110 ismoved along the surface of the object to be cleaned W, the dust etc. Dis adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 of the first adsorbing region123 a. When the cleaning element 110 is further moved, as shown in FIG.15, the dust etc. D hiding behind a projection is scraped out by thestrips 118 a of the front sheets 118 between the first adsorbing region123 a and the second adsorbing region 123 b, and adsorbed by the fiberassemblies 117 of the second adsorbing region 123 b. When the cleaningelement 110 is further moved, as shown in FIG. 16, the dust etc. D in adepression is adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 of the firstadsorbing region 123 a. Even if the dust etc. D is not adsorbed by thefiber assemblies 117 of the first adsorbing region 123 a, the dust etc.D is scraped out by the strips 114 a of the holding sheets 114 betweenthe first adsorbing region 123 a and the second adsorbing region 123 b,and then adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 of the second adsorbingregion 123 b. Or even if the dust etc. D is not completely scraped out,the dust etc. D is moved rearward within the depression and adsorbed bythe fiber assemblies 117 of the second adsorbing region 123 b. Further,the dust etc. D which cannot be adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 ofthe second adsorbing region 123 b is adsorbed by the fiber assemblies117 of the third adsorbing region 123 c. Further, the dust etc. D whichcannot be adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 of the third adsorbingregion 123 c is scraped out again by the strips 114 a of the holdingsheets 114 between the third adsorbing region 123 c and the fourthadsorbing region 123 d, and finally adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117of the forth adsorbing region 123 d. Or even if the dust etc. D is notcompletely scraped out, the dust etc. D is moved rearward within thedepression and finally adsorbed by the fiber assemblies 117 of the forthadsorbing region 123 d.

In an operation of wiping a wide plane surface of the object to becleaned W, when the user's wrist is unstable or when the object to becleaned W is up high, it is assumed that the cleaning element 110 isoperated in an inclined position with respect to the surface of theobject to be cleaned W. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.17, the cleaning element 110 has four adsorbing regions 123 a, 123 b,123 c, 123 d with respect to the object to be cleaned W, so that, forexample, the dust etc. D which cannot be adsorbed by the first adsorbingregion 123 a or the second adsorbing region 123 b can be adsorbed by thethird adsorbing region 123 c or the fourth adsorbing region 123 d.

Other Embodiments

The invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above, butrather, may be added to, changed, replaced with alternatives orotherwise modified. For example, the following provisions can be made inapplication of this embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning element 110 is describedas having the pair of right and left split cleaning parts 123. However,in the invention, the number of parts corresponding to the splitcleaning parts 123 can be appropriately set in the range of two or more.Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, other embodiments are described. Acleaning tool 200 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is constructed suchthat a cleaning element holder 230 having elongate three holdingportions 242 is attached to a cleaning element 210 consisting of threesplit cleaning parts 123. Specifically, in attachment of the holder, theholding portions 242 are inserted into the insert regions 115 of thesplit cleaning parts 123. In this case, the three split cleaning parts123 are disposed in parallel to each other such that the centers oftheir sections are located at the respective apexes of a predeterminedtriangle. Further, a cleaning tool 300 of a further embodiment shown inFIG. 19 is provided such that a cleaning element holder 330 having fourelongate holding portions 342 is attached to a cleaning element 310consisting of four split cleaning parts. Specifically, in attachment ofthe holder, the holding portions 342 are inserted into the insertregions 115 of the split cleaning parts 123. In this case, the foursplit cleaning parts 123 are disposed in parallel to each other suchthat the centers of their sections are located at the apexes of apredetermined square. The cleaning tool 200 shown in FIG. 18 and thecleaning tool 300 shown in FIG. 19 can also provide the same effect asthe above-described cleaning tool 100. Further, the cleaning tools 200,300 may be constructed such that three or four split cleaning parts 123are disposed in parallel to each other on a predetermined straight line.

In the above-described embodiment, each of the split cleaning parts 123of the cleaning element 110 is designed to have a generally circular orelliptical section. However, in the invention, it is necessary for thissection to form the generally circular or elliptical shape in itsentirety or in part. For example, the section of the split cleaning partmay also have a shape of one or more fans which forms part of a circularform. This construction is shown in a cleaning element 410 of a furtherembodiment shown in FIG. 20. In the cleaning element 410 shown in FIG.20, each of split cleaning parts 423 has an outside region and an insideregion which have respective sections of fan-like shapes which form partof circular shapes of different diameters. This construction can berealized, for example by changing the position of the fusion bondinglines 120, 121, or the length of the holding sheets 114, the fiberassemblies 117 and the front sheets 118 according to location. With suchconstruction, the outside and inside regions of the split cleaning parts423 can be effectively provided with different cleaning capabilities.

In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning element 110 is formed bya sheet-like nonwoven fabric and a fiber assembly. However, in theinvention, the cleaning element 110 may be formed by either one of thesheet-like nonwoven fabric and the fiber assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS

-   100 cleaning tool-   110 cleaning element-   112 holding sheet part-   113 base sheet-   114 holding sheet-   114 a strip-   115 insert region-   115 a opening-   116 cleaning element sheet part-   117 fabric assembly-   118 front sheet-   118 a strip-   119 overlap region-   120, 121 fusion bonding line-   123, 423 split cleaning part-   123 a first adsorbing region-   123 b second adsorbing region-   123 c third adsorbing region-   123 d fourth adsorbing region-   124 space-   130 cleaning element holder-   140 holder body-   141 base-   142 holding plate-   143 retaining plate-   150 handle-   151 handle body-   151 a connecting portion-   200, 300 cleaning tool-   210, 310, 410 cleaning element-   230, 330 cleaning element holder-   242, 342 holding portion

1. A cleaning tool for use in cleaning an object to be cleanedcomprising: an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning elementto be attached to the cleaning element holder, wherein: the cleaningelement holder includes a grip to be held by a user and a plurality ofholding elements extending from the grip in parallel in a longitudinaldirection, the cleaning element comprises a plurality of elongate splitcleaning parts having respective insert regions for receiving theholding elements, and the cleaning element has a space into which theobject to be cleaned can be inserted between adjacent ones of the splitcleaning parts, each of the split cleaning parts includes a fiberassembly formed by a plurality of fibers extending in a directiontransverse to the longitudinal direction of the split cleaning part, anda nonwoven fabric sheet made of nonwoven fabric, the fiber assembly andthe nonwoven fabric sheet being overlaid one on the other and bondedtogether and in an inserted state of the holding elements into theinsert regions, the fiber assemblies of the adjacent ones of the splitcleaning parts overlap each other in the space in a direction transverseto the longitudinal direction.
 2. The cleaning tool as defined in claim1, wherein the cleaning element is designed such that, in the state inwhich the cleaning element is not yet attached to the cleaning elementholder, a center distance between the adjacent insert regions is longerthan a center distance between the adjacent holding elements of thecleaning element holder, and when the holding elements are inserted intothe insert regions, the fiber assemblies of the adjacent split cleaningparts move toward each other and thus overlap each other in the space ina direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.
 3. The cleaningtool as defined in claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric sheet comprisesa plurality of split pieces extending in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal direction of the split cleaning parts.
 4. The cleaning toolas defined in claim 1, wherein the holding elements comprise an elasticmaterial which allows the adjacent holding elements to be elasticallydeformed away from each other.